### History of Wrestling in the United States and Notable Olympic Achievements

#### Introduction to Wrestling in the USA
Wrestling, considered one of the world's oldest sports, has a rich history in the United States, rooted deeply in indigenous cultural practices and later influenced by European traditions. In the USA, wrestling gained substantial popularity and evolved with the organization of collegiate and freestyle competitions leading to a robust framework that contributed to its Olympic success.

#### Early Olympic Wrestling and the 1904 Games
The modern Olympic Games began in 1896 in Athens, Greece, but it wasn’t until the 1904 St. Louis Games that wrestling featured prominently as a competitive sport. These Games were notable as they were the first to be held in the United States, and they significantly impacted the development of wrestling in the country.

#### Wrestling at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics
The 1904 St. Louis Olympics marked a unique chapter in Olympic wrestling history due to its exclusive participation by American athletes. The games included multiple wrestling events, demonstrating various styles and weight classes that were prevalent in the U.S. at the time, differing somewhat from European styles. Due to this, the wrestling events had a unique American character and can be seen as pivotal in promoting wrestling in the country.

#### Notable Wrestlers in the 1904 Olympics
During the 1904 Olympics, several wrestlers stood out for their performances, earning medals in multiple categories. Because all competitors were from the United States, this event showcased domestic wrestling talent extensively.

##### Robert Curry
The games saw a notable performance by Robert Curry, who was among the first to secure a gold medal in the lightweight division. His victory is celebrated as an early example of American wrestling prowess on the international stage.

##### John Hein
Following closely was John Hein, who achieved recognition by winning the silver medal in the light flyweight division. Because of the events’ sequence and multiple medals awarded simultaneously, pinpointing the absolute "second" medalist is complex; however, in terms of event order, John Hein's medal win is historically considered the second noteworthy American achievement in Olympic wrestling at those games.

#### Impact on Wrestling's Development
The success of athletes like Robert Curry and John Hein not only brought individual glory but also motivated many young athletes and sports enthusiasts across the nation. Their achievements helped in popularizing the sport and contributed to wrestling’s firm establishment in subsequent Olympic games and national sports culture.

#### Conclusion
The 1904 St. Louis Olympic Games were instrumental in popularizing wrestling in the United States, showcasing its potential and the talent of its athletes. Leaders like Robert Curry and John Hein set the stage for future generations, marking the beginning of a strong Olympic legacy for American wrestling. This Olympic chapter, though early, is crucial in understanding the evolution and the eventual international success of American wrestling, sculpting a pathway that many aspiring wrestlers have since followed.